Temple Hollowing: Causes and Solutions
Temple hollowing occurs when fat, collagen, or bone density in the temple area diminishes, creating a sunken appearance. This change can start as early as your mid-20s and become more visible by your 40s, impacting facial balance and making you look older or tired. Causes include aging, lifestyle factors like intense exercise or weight loss, and genetics. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Juvéderm Voluma XC or collagen stimulators like Sculptra, offer non-surgical solutions to restore volume and improve facial contours. HA fillers provide immediate results, while collagen stimulators work gradually over months. Treatment is quick, with effects lasting 6 months to 2 years depending on the filler type. Always consult a qualified provider for safe and effective results.
What is Temple Hollowing?
Temple hollowing, also known as temporal fossa atrophy, refers to the loss of volume in the temple area. This region is naturally supported by fat pads, collagen, and the underlying bone structure, which together create a smooth and full appearance. When these elements diminish, the once-rounded contour of the temples becomes sunken, altering the overall look of the face.
This change goes beyond aesthetics. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu explains:
A gaunt, depressed temple creates a concave area that sucks in light, making the face appear more shadowy, less healthy [3].
The hollowing effect accentuates the underlying bone structures, such as the temporal crest above the eye and the cheekbone (zygomatic arch). This can result in a skeletal and tired appearance, making the face look older and less vibrant.
Temple hollowing is assessed clinically using a grading system. Research categorizes it into three levels: Grade 1, where the temple appears flattened; Grade 2, a depression of up to 3mm; and Grade 3, characterized by a severe concavity exceeding 3mm [10]. As the condition progresses, additional signs may appear, including drooping at the tail of the eyebrow, deeper-set eyes, and, in more advanced stages, visible temple veins.
The Harley Street Clinic aptly describes the impact:
A hollow temple can make you look older and tired, but temporal hollowing correction can provide fantastic results [6].
Recognizing the signs of temple hollowing early can help you take proactive steps to restore a youthful and balanced facial contour.
Causes of Temple Hollowing
Temple hollowing doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process influenced by a combination of factors, making it difficult to notice until the changes become more pronounced.
Age-Related Changes
Aging is the leading factor behind temple hollowing. The temples are a complex area made up of 11 distinct layers, including four fat compartments. Over time, these fat compartments lose volume, particularly the superficial and deep temporal fat pads, which leads to the characteristic sunken appearance[10][1][2].
But it’s not just fat loss at play. As we age, bone density decreases, making the temporal fossa more concave. The temporalis muscle also thins, while collagen breakdown and weakening of the temporal fascia further reduce the skin’s structural support[3][5][8].
Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, a board-certified dermatologist, explains:
“The upper face narrows and the [overlying] skin drops, causing the lower face to sag and widen.”[3]
This volume loss in the temples tends to accelerate over time. While aging is the primary cause, daily habits can speed up this process.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Certain lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can hasten temple hollowing. High-intensity exercise, like long-distance running, combined with low body fat can deplete fat pad volume in this region[5]. Similarly, significant weight loss – whether from dieting or medical procedures – can cause facial fat pads to shrink and shift, leading to a hollowed look. Diets extremely low in fat or lacking key nutrients may also fail to support facial volume, resulting in a more skeletal contour.
Smoking introduces harmful toxins that damage the skin’s structure and slow collagen production, while dehydration and excessive sun exposure further reduce skin plumpness and elasticity, deepening the hollowing effect.
Genetic and Medical Factors
Genetics can also play a major role. People with naturally thinner skin or lower fat volume in the temporal area may notice hollowing earlier in life[5]. Additionally, certain medical conditions, like autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, or prolonged steroid use, can contribute to volume loss. Conditions that lead to temporalis muscle atrophy or progressive bone resorption can create a more skeletal appearance[3]. Even facial surgeries, if they result in fat or connective tissue atrophy, may exacerbate hollowing[7].
Dr. Annie Chiu, a board-certified dermatologist, highlights how temple hollowing impacts perception:
“People subconsciously read faces – we make quick judgements on age just by reading head shape across the room, well before we get close enough to see any wrinkles.”[3]
How Temple Hollowing Affects Facial Appearance
Temple hollowing can significantly impact the balance of your facial features by reducing natural volume in the temples. This loss of volume disrupts the support structures that help maintain a youthful look.
Changes in Facial Shape
When the temples lose volume, it alters the overall shape of your face. In younger faces, the temples are one of the widest parts, creating a heart-shaped or “upside-down triangle” contour. With volume loss, this balance shifts, making the lower face appear wider while the upper face becomes narrower. This change highlights the underlying bone structure, impacting the symmetry and proportions of the face [3] [8] [9].
Shadows and Signs of Aging
Hollow temples create a concave surface that absorbs light, leading to deeper shadows across the face. These shadows not only exaggerate wrinkles but also enhance other signs of aging, like under-eye bags or nasolabial folds. These subtle changes can make the face look more tired or aged, even if other areas have been treated [3].
Effects on Nearby Facial Features
The loss of volume in the temples doesn’t just affect the shape of the face – it also impacts nearby features. It can lead to drooping brows and deeper-set eyes, which may emphasize sagging outer eyelids. In some cases, pronounced hollowing can even make the hairline look like it’s receding. Additionally, reduced temple volume may affect the temporalis muscle, potentially causing jaw tension and altering facial expressions [3] [8].
Dermal Fillers for Temple Hollowing
Dermal fillers provide a non-surgical way to restore volume in the temples, helping to balance facial features and combat the effects of aging [4][5]. The temples play a key role in supporting the upper and mid-face, creating a smoother, more lifted appearance in surrounding areas [4].
When done correctly, temple fillers create a natural transition between the cheekbone and forehead, reducing harsh shadows and hollows that can make you look tired [11][12]. This treatment can reshape the face, softening an angular or “hollowed-out” look into a more youthful oval or heart-shaped contour [5][8]. Beyond just adding volume, temple fillers can subtly lift the tail of the eyebrow and even create a “mini-facelift” effect for the mid-face [4][9]. These changes restore the natural light and shadow play on your face, enhancing its overall appearance.
Different types of fillers are available, each offering unique benefits for addressing temple hollowing.
Types of Dermal Fillers for Temples
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as Juvéderm Voluma XC, are among the most popular options for temple augmentation. Voluma XC is the first FDA-approved HA filler specifically designed for moderate to severe temple hollowing [12][13]. HA fillers work by using a modified form of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body that helps retain skin moisture. One of their biggest advantages is reversibility – if needed, they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Clinical trials show that 80% of patients treated with Voluma XC experienced at least a 1-point improvement in temple hollowing after 3 months, with 73% maintaining results for over a year [13].
Collagen stimulators, like Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid), work differently. Instead of providing immediate volume, Sculptra stimulates the body to produce collagen over time. Results appear gradually over several months and can last up to two years [5][8]. However, Sculptra is not as easily reversible as HA fillers and typically requires multiple vials and sessions for full correction. Each vial of Sculptra costs around $900, making it a longer-term but more involved option [8].
Treatment Process
The process of temple filler treatment is straightforward but requires careful planning to achieve the best results.
It starts with a consultation where your provider evaluates factors like bone structure, fat distribution, and skin thickness to create a treatment plan that enhances your facial proportions [11]. To minimize risks, avoid alcohol and blood thinners (like fish oil or Vitamin E) for 24–48 hours before the procedure [11][14].
On the day of the treatment, a numbing cream is applied for 15–20 minutes to ensure comfort. Many fillers, such as Voluma XC, also contain lidocaine to reduce injection discomfort [12][14]. Depending on your needs, your provider may use a small needle for deeper injections or a blunt-tipped cannula for smoother, more superficial application [8][9]. You might hear a slight sound during the injection as the tool moves through the tissue layers, and some patients report mild jaw discomfort for a day or two afterward [3].
The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes. HA fillers deliver immediate results, though it can take 2–4 weeks for the filler to fully settle [11][14]. After treatment, applying a cold pack for 20 minutes each hour and avoiding strenuous activity or pressure on the temples for 24 hours is recommended [11]. For air travel, wait at least 48 hours for domestic flights and 7 days for long-haul international flights [11].
Voluma vs. Sculptra Comparison
Feature | Juvéderm Voluma XC (HA) | Sculptra (PLLA) |
|---|---|---|
Onset of Results | Immediate | Gradual (over several months) |
Primary Mechanism | Adds volume with HA gel | Stimulates collagen production |
Duration | Up to 13 months | Up to 2 years |
Pain Level | Mild (contains lidocaine) | Moderate (requires deeper injections) |
Reversibility | Yes (with hyaluronidase) | No |
Best Use Case | Instant correction | Long-term volume |
In clinical trials, 98% of patients treated with Voluma XC in the temples said they would recommend it to a friend, and 88% felt satisfied with their facial balance three months after treatment [12]. Choosing between HA fillers and collagen stimulators depends on your priorities – whether you prefer immediate results or are willing to wait for gradual, longer-lasting changes.
Calista Aesthetics: Temple Filler Treatments
Calista Aesthetics provides specialized temple filler treatments designed to restore volume and enhance facial balance.
Calista Aesthetics’ Treatment Approach
At Calista Aesthetics, the focus is on non-surgical solutions that quickly replenish lost volume in the temples. Every treatment starts with a one-on-one consultation, where their experts assess your specific needs and create a plan tailored to your facial structure and aging concerns. They prioritize open communication, ensuring you understand your options, the procedure, and the expected results.
The goal is to smooth the transition between the cheekbone and forehead, addressing the hollowed or “peanut-shaped” look that can come with age. This careful technique restores natural facial contours, enhancing the way light and shadow interact with your features while maintaining your unique appearance.
Calista Aesthetics offers a variety of dermal fillers for temple treatments, including Juvéderm®, Radiesse®, Restylane®, RHA®, and Sculptra®. Based on your goals, their skilled injectors will help you choose the ideal product – whether you prefer the instant results of hyaluronic acid fillers or the gradual, collagen-boosting effects of biostimulators like Sculptra.
Radiant Member Program Benefits
For just $50 a year, the Radiant Member Program offers excellent savings on temple filler treatments. Members receive $100 off each filler session, which is especially valuable since most treatments require two syringes. Additionally, members enjoy 10% off skincare products and access to exclusive promotions.
With temple filler treatments typically priced around $1,500, this membership makes achieving expert, natural-looking results more affordable while adding extra perks along the way.
FAQs
Temple hollowing often happens as a natural result of aging, with the gradual loss of facial fat, collagen, and bone density. While it’s not entirely preventable, there are steps you can take to slow the process and help maintain your facial volume over time.
Take care of your skin: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and consider wearing hats or sunglasses to shield your skin from UV rays, which can break down collagen and accelerate aging.
Say no to smoking: Smoking impacts skin health by reducing blood flow and depleting essential nutrients, making it harder for your skin to stay healthy.
Eat and drink smart: Keep your body hydrated and focus on a diet full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and proteins to support the regeneration of skin and tissue.
Exercise in moderation: Avoid extreme weight loss or overly intense workout routines that can lead to a reduction in facial fat.
Keep stress in check: Make sleep a priority and incorporate stress-management techniques like mindfulness or relaxation exercises to promote healthier skin.
For those already experiencing temple hollowing, Calista Aesthetics provides non-surgical dermal filler treatments designed to restore volume and balance to your face. Their skilled team tailors each treatment to your individual needs, helping you achieve results that look natural and complement your features.
When deciding between hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and collagen stimulators for addressing temple hollowing, your choice will largely depend on your desired results, how long you want the effects to last, and your need for flexibility.
HA fillers are a go-to option if you’re looking for immediate results. They add volume and lift right away, making them perfect for those who want quick improvements. Plus, they’re reversible using an enzyme if adjustments are needed. Typically, their effects last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. These fillers are especially effective for precise contouring and treating mild to moderate volume loss.
On the other hand, collagen stimulators take a different approach. Instead of providing instant volume, they stimulate your body to produce collagen, leading to gradual improvements over weeks or even months. They’re often a better choice for addressing more severe volume loss, with results lasting up to 2 years after completing a series of treatments. However, unlike HA fillers, they aren’t easily reversible, so adjustments may require additional sessions or just time.
At Calista Aesthetics, a skilled professional will evaluate your specific needs and help you choose the option that aligns best with your anatomy, timeline, and goals.
When you visit Calista Aesthetics for a temple filler treatment, the first step involves a detailed consultation. Your provider will evaluate your facial structure and discuss your goals to craft a plan tailored just for you. Once the plan is set, the treatment area is cleaned, and a numbing agent is applied to make sure you’re comfortable. Using either a fine needle or a cannula, the filler is then injected with precision to restore volume and reduce hollowing. The whole process typically wraps up in about 30 minutes.
You’ll notice results right away – a smoother, fuller temple area and a gentle lift to the outer brow. Recovery is usually quick, with only mild swelling or bruising that tends to fade within a day or two. Depending on the type of filler used and how your body processes it, the effects can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months, sometimes even longer. To keep your refreshed appearance, follow-up appointments might be suggested.